A new pet fountain filter usually needs some preparation before it goes into the fountain. That often means rinsing it under tap water. Some filters also need to be soaked, while others use a different routine to release trapped air.
There is no universal soaking time. PETLIBRO tells owners to soak certain Dockstream filters for five minutes and rinse them afterward. Catit tells owners to rinse, submerge, and press its Flower Fountain filter to release air from the mesh. PetSafe and Pioneer Pet give rinse-only instructions for some filters.
Start with the directions for the exact filter and fountain model you own.
What you need
- The correct replacement filter for your fountain
- Clean tap water
- A clean bowl, if soaking is required
- The filter package, manual, or official instructions
How to prepare the filter
1. Check the filter instructions
Confirm that the replacement filter matches your fountain model. Then look for the preparation method, water temperature, soaking or rinsing time, and any installation markings.
Do not assume that a filter needs a five-minute soak just because another brand uses one. Even filters that look similar may have different directions.
2. Rinse or soak it in the stated order
Follow the sequence given by the manufacturer.
PETLIBRO's Dockstream replacement-filter instructions say to soak the filter for five minutes and then rinse it thoroughly. Catit's Flower Fountain instructions start with a thorough rinse. The filter is then submerged and the mesh is pressed several times to release trapped air.
Some filters only need rinsing. PetSafe tells owners to rinse the Current fountain's carbon filter under warm water for 30 seconds. Its Outlast instructions call for a thorough cold-water rinse. Pioneer Pet recommends tapping loose charcoal from the filter, then rinsing it under cool water for two to three minutes.
The timing and water temperature belong to the product instructions, not to pet fountain filters as a whole.
3. Rinse away loose carbon dust
A little gray or black material may wash out of a new activated-carbon filter. Catit, PetSafe, and Pioneer Pet all mention loose carbon particles in their guidance.
Rinsing before installation reduces the amount that reaches the fountain bowl. Use the method and duration given for your filter. For the Catit Flower Fountain filter, pressing the submerged mesh also releases air that could make the filter float or interfere with water flow.
4. Keep soap off the filter
Catit's cleaning guide says never to use soap or soapy water on the filter. The other manufacturer instructions reviewed for this article also use water for new-filter preparation.
Soap may be used on some removable fountain parts, depending on the manual, but the filter is handled separately. Unless the filter instructions clearly say otherwise, rinse it with water only.
5. Install it without forcing it
Let excess water drip into the sink or bowl, then place the filter in its holder or tray. Check the tab, printed markings, center opening, or required direction before closing the fountain.
After reassembly, refill and restart the fountain according to its manual. Watch the first water flow. If the filter floats, the fountain overflows, or the flow is weak, turn the fountain off and check that the filter is fully wet and seated correctly.
Common mistakes
The main mistake is using one brand's routine for every filter. Other problems include installing the filter dry, skipping the initial rinse, washing the filter with soap, or guessing which way it fits.
For a required soak, use fresh water in a clean bowl rather than old water from the fountain tank.
FAQ
Do all new pet fountain filters need to be soaked?
No. Some manufacturers require soaking, while others tell you to rinse the filter and install it. Use the instructions for the exact filter you bought.
Why does black dust come out of a new filter?
Many fountain filters contain activated carbon. Loose carbon particles can wash out during the first rinse. Rinsing the filter as directed reduces the amount that enters the fountain.
Can I use soap on a new filter?
Do not use soap unless the manufacturer specifically tells you to. Catit's guidance says to rinse the filter with water and never use soap or soapy water on it.
Final note
Rinse every new filter as directed, but soak it only when the instructions for that filter call for soaking.
Sources
https://petlibro.com/pages/why-should-i-soak-the-filter-before-first-use Used for PETLIBRO's explanation of why certain filters are soaked before use.
- PETLIBRO, "Why Should I Soak the Filter Before First Use?"
https://petlibro.com/products/dockstream-2-smart-fountain-replacement-filter Used for the five-minute soak and thorough rinse instruction.
- PETLIBRO, "Dockstream Cat Water Fountain Replacement Filter"
https://www.catit.com/spotlight/getting-your-catit-flower-fountain-filter-ready-for-use/ Used for the rinse, submerge, trapped-air release, and loose-carbon guidance.
- Catit, "Getting Your Catit Flower Fountain Filter Ready for Use"
https://www.catit.com/spotlight/catit-easy-to-clean-flower-fountain-cleaning-guide/ Used for the instruction not to use soap or soapy water on the filter.
- Catit, "Catit Flower Fountain Cleaning Guide"
https://support.petsafe.net/articles/how-to-clean-the-current-pet-fountain Used for the 30-second warm-water rinse and loose black particle guidance.
- PetSafe, "How to Clean the Current Pet Fountain"
https://support.petsafe.net/articles/how-to-assemble-my-petsafe-outlast-128-oz-pumpless-pet-fountain Used for the thorough cold-water rinse instruction.
- PetSafe, "How to Assemble My PetSafe Outlast 128 oz Pumpless Pet Fountain"
https://pioneerpet.com/instructions/frequently-asked-questions/ Used for the recommendation to tap out loose charcoal and rinse under cool water for two to three minutes.
- Pioneer Pet, "Frequently Asked Questions"
